Definitions
Biocontainment | The physical containment of microorganisms within a limited space, e.g. the laboratory, to prevent their spread to the community and the environment |
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Biosafety | The principles, technologies and practices that are implemented to prevent the exposure of laboratory workers to microorganisms |
Biosecurity | Institutional and personal security measures designed to prevent the intentional loss, theft, misuse, diversion or intentional release of pathogens and toxins. Biosecurity is a component of biosafety |
Bioterrorism | The threatened or actual unlawful release of microbiological agents or toxins with the intent to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population to further political or social objectives |
BSL-3: Biosafety Level 3 |
A term prescribing practices, safety equipment, facility design and construction required for work with agents that must be handled at this level |
BSL-4: Biosafety Level 4 | A term prescribing practices, safety equipment, facility design and construction required for work with agents that must be handled at this level |
PC2: Physical Containment Level 2 |
Microbiological laboratories that are constructed to enable safe work with Risk Group 2 microorganisms. The majority of microbiological laboratories, e.g. diagnostic research, clinical and industrial, fall into this category. |
PC3: Physical Containment Level 3 |
Microbiological laboratories with an increased level of containment, designed for work with microorganisms that pose a serious risk of infection to humans or animals (Risk Group 3). This level of containment provides safeguards to minimise the risk of infection to individuals, the community and the environment. |
PC4: Physical Containment Level 4 |
Microbiological laboratories with the highest level of containment, designed for work with microorganisms of Risk Group 4 that pose a high individual risk of life-threatening disease and may be readily spread to the community. The design is to ensure safety of personnel, the community and the environment. |